Dusk & Iron Lung Creator David Szymanski: Mid-2000s Was The True Golden Age of FPS!
Ever wonder what games inspire the minds behind some of your favorite indie hits? We recently got a fascinating glimpse into the digital world of David Szymanski, the genius developer behind the acclaimed retro FPS Dusk and the chilling submarine horror Iron Lung. He’s a key figure in the modern retro shooter scene, and his gaming insights are truly something else!
Szymanski, like many of us, grew up with classics on the family PC. While games like Lemmings and Oil’s Well were nostalgic staples, it was a different kind of first-person experience that truly shaped him: Myst. “That was the first game I remember really getting super into—being able to enter another world and explore it in first-person,” he shared. Quite a unique starting point for someone known for high-octane shooters!
After making a name for himself with short horror titles, Szymanski’s big moment arrived in 2018 with Dusk, a brilliant homage to ’90s FPS titans like Doom and Quake. Following that success, he continued to craft shorter, impactful games, including the hugely popular Iron Lung, which even got a movie adaptation by YouTuber Markiplier this year. What’s next for him? An isometric game called B.U.G.B.I.T.E., currently in its early stages. Sounds like he loves keeping us on our toes!
So, what’s a game developer of his caliber currently hooked on? He’s diving into an old-school FPS from 2007 called Instinct. He describes it as a “slavjank” game – simple, barebones, and surprisingly slow-paced for a modern gamer. With linear levels, zombies, and armed bad guys, it’s a straightforward blast-em-up. Szymanski enjoys its approachable nature, a stark contrast to today’s often highly technical shooters.
And this leads us to his bold statement: “The mid-2000s was the golden era of first-person shooters.” He argues that this period struck a perfect balance. It was post-Doom clones but pre-Call of Duty 4 clones, a sweet spot where developers weren’t confined to a single, codified design. Think about it: during that time, we saw incredible variety with titles like Serious Sam, Painkiller, Halo, Half-Life 2, Doom 3, and Far Cry, each bringing unique mechanics and experiences. For Szymanski, the ’90s were the “silver age,” and anything after the mid-2000s he playfully calls the “brown age.” A spicy take, but one that many veteran gamers might just agree with!
Beyond FPS, Szymanski also enjoys survival crafting, having recently mainlined The Forest. Despite loving it, he often hits a “20-hour cutoff point” before moving on, a relatable struggle for many gamers with huge backlogs! The last game he actually finished was Pragmata, a 2026 title he loved so much he’s considering it his Game of the Year. He praises it for being a short, single-player, campaign-driven AAA experience with innovative mechanics – a rarity in today’s market.
When it comes to the oldest game on his PC, it’s no surprise that Doom takes the crown (the latest port, of course). Szymanski considers Doom “nearly, objectively, the best FPS ever made,” citing its immense historical importance and timeless relevance. He argues that its chaotic mix of horror, action, and goofiness makes it incredibly resilient – you can tweak it in many ways, and it still just *works*.
What about playtime? While he considers his hours low compared to many, his top Steam game is Counter-Strike 2 (formerly CS:GO) with 324 hours. The highest single-player playtime goes to Elden Ring, clocking in at 186 hours. He loves the game but surprisingly wouldn’t put it in his top 10, preferring Dark Souls. He sees Elden Ring as a “greatest hits” collection of everything he enjoys about soulslikes.
But the game he’ll never uninstall? While Doom and Quake are obvious choices, Szymanski’s unique pick is Infra. This 30-hour puzzle/exploration game, built on the Source engine, is his ultimate comfort game. He has a continuous looping playthrough, always discovering forgotten puzzles or areas in its incredibly detailed tunnels. It’s a testament to how deep and engaging an indie title can be!
Finally, a peek at his non-gaming life: GIMP is his go-to image editor, a free tool he’s used long before becoming a developer. And his desktop? Currently tidy thanks to a fresh Linux install, but he admits it usually devolves into an “absolute dumpster fire” of documents and icons. Sounds like a relatable struggle for many of us!
David Szymanski’s insights offer a refreshing look at gaming, celebrating both retro gems and modern masterpieces, all while making a strong case for the mid-2000s as a truly special time for first-person shooters. What do you think, PakGamersHub fam? Was the mid-2000s your golden era too?